Technologies
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a rotating workpiece is shaped by a stationary cutting tool to produce cylindrical, conical, or contoured parts. Computer-controlled movemen
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a rotating workpiece is shaped by a stationary cutting tool to produce cylindrical, conical, or contoured parts. Computer-controlled movements achieve dimensional tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.8 μm on mat
CNC turning is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a rotating workpiece is shaped by a stationary cutting tool to produce cylindrical, conical, or contoured parts. Computer-controlled movements achieve dimensional tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.8 μm on materials ranging from aluminium alloys to stainless steel.
CAD Design & Specifications — The engineer defines part geometry, tolerances (often referencing ISO 2768-f or ISO 2768-m standards), and material choice. Critical dimensions for tight tolerance work (±0.01 mm) are flagged for in-process gauging during setup.
CAM Toolpath Programming — Manufacturing software converts the CAD model into machine code (G-code and M-code), calculating cutting speeds, feed rates, and tool paths. For example, turning 6061 aluminium uses cutting speeds of 200–400 m/min with carbide inserts, while 304 stainless steel requires 80–150 m/min to prevent tool wear.
Workholding & Machine Setup — The raw material (bar stock or billet) is mounted in a chuck or collet. Tool offsets and spindle speed are verified. Setup time typically ranges from 15–45 minutes depending on part complexity.
Roughing Passes — The machine removes bulk material at high feeds to achieve approximate dimensions quickly. Multiple passes reduce the workpiece diameter progressively, leaving 0.5–1.0 mm stock for finishing.
Finishing Passes — Light cuts with tight feed control produce the final diameter and surface finish. At Entag, standard turned finishes achieve Ra 1.6 μm; Ra 0.8 μm is achievable with dedicated finishing passes; Ra 0.4 μm requires post-turning grinding.
Inspection & Quality Control — Critical dimensions are measured against the CAD specification using calipers, micrometers, or CMM. Parts are inspected for surface finish, runout, and feature position before release.
CNC turning encompasses several discrete operations executed within a single setup. Facing flattens the workpiece end perpendicular to the spindle axis. OD (outside diameter) turning machines the external cylindrical surface to final diameter. Boring enlarges an axial hole using an internal tool. Threading cuts helical grooves for fastening or fluid sealing. Parting separates the finished part from the bar stock. Grooving cuts radial or axial recesses, and knurling presses a textured pattern onto the surface for grip.
Entag's CNC turning services in Egypt cover all these operations on single-spindle and multi-spindle machines, with capacity for diameters up to 150 mm and bar lengths up to 500 mm. Engineers in Cairo, Alexandria, Jeddah, and Riyadh can upload CAD files at app.entag.co to confirm capability before quoting.
ISO 2768-m (medium class) tolerances of ±0.05 mm on linear dimensions up to 30 mm are Entag's standard for general production turning. ISO 2768-f (fine class) tolerances of ±0.025 mm are achievable with careful setup. Tight-tolerance work reaching ±0.01 mm requires in-process gauging, secondary operations, and typically adds 10–20% to part cost.
Surface finish depends on tool geometry, cutting speed, and feed rate. Standard turned finishes land at Ra 1.6 μm. Designated finishing passes reduce this to Ra 0.8 μm without secondary operations. For applications requiring Ra 0.4 μm or better, CNC grinding services complement the turning process.
| Criteria | CNC Turning | CNC Milling |
|---|---|---|
| Part Geometry | Cylindrical, conical, threaded shafts | Prismatic, flat, complex 3D profiles |
| Typical Tolerance | ±0.01–0.05 mm | ±0.01–0.05 mm |
| Standard Surface Finish | Ra 1.6 μm | Ra 1.6–3.2 μm |
| Best Materials | Metals & plastics with round cross-section | Metals, plastics, composites |
| Lead Time (Entag) | From 3 business days | From 3 business days |
| Common Applications | Pins, bushings, shafts, flanges | Brackets, housings, mould components |
Not sure which process fits your part? Upload your CAD file and Entag's engineering team will advise within 24 hours.
What is CNC turning and how does it differ from manual turning?
CNC turning uses computer-controlled machines to rotate a workpiece against a stationary cutting tool, removing material to final diameter. Manual lathe operation depends on operator skill and hand-wheel adjustments, achieving tolerances of ±0.1–0.2 mm. CNC eliminates operator variability, holding ±0.01 mm routinely and enabling high-volume repeatability on complex geometries like tapered shafts and threaded bores.
What tolerances can CNC turning achieve?
Entag holds ISO 2768 fine (f) class tolerances as standard: ±0.05 mm for general dimensions, ±0.025 mm for features under 30 mm length. Critical dimensions can reach ±0.01 mm with in-process gauging and secondary operations. Surface finishes range from Ra 1.6 μm (standard) to Ra 0.8 μm (finishing pass) to Ra 0.4 μm (with grinding).
What materials can be CNC turned?
Aluminium alloys (6061, 7075), stainless steel (304, 316L), mild steel, brass, copper, titanium, and engineering plastics (Delrin, PEEK) are all machinable on CNC lathes. Material choice drives cutting speed selection: aluminium permits 200–400 m/min; stainless steel operates at 80–150 m/min. Supply availability across Egypt and Saudi Arabia is strong for common grades.
How long does a CNC turning order take in Egypt?
Entag provides instant quotes within 24 hours of CAD upload. Prototype and low-volume parts ship from 3–5 business days. Production runs of 100+ parts lead in 5–7 business days depending on material and feature complexity. Same lead times apply to Saudi Arabia orders from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam.
What is the difference between CNC turning and CNC milling?
Turning rotates the workpiece against a stationary tool—ideal for cylindrical, conical, and shaft-like parts. Milling rotates the tool against a stationary workpiece—suited for flat, prismatic, and complex 3D geometries. Both achieve ±0.01 mm tolerances, but turning is faster for round parts; milling excels at features like pockets, slots, and multi-sided housings.
How much does CNC turning cost in Egypt?
Cost depends on material, part complexity, tolerance grade, and quantity. Entag's online quote tool calculates pricing instantly after CAD upload—no minimum order quantity, no setup fees for single parts. Engineers in Cairo, Alexandria, Jeddah, and Riyadh receive per-unit pricing within 24 hours.
Ready to start your project? Request a quote on Entag — upload your CAD file and get a price in 24 hours. Whether you're sourcing a single prototype shaft or 500 precision bushings, Entag's on-demand CNC turning service serves engineers and procurement teams across Egypt and Saudi Arabia with no lead-time penalty for low volumes.
